Oh, I do love a good Ron/Hermione fic. I think maybe I forgot how much I really do adore this couple, and I haven’t read hardly anything that sets them post-Hogwarts. I love what you did here. It’s very brief, but also very wonderful.

The opening of this works great. You give us a bit of background without it feeling like an information dump. You connect the backstory to the present – Ron is thinking about how much he likes his life and doesn’t feel jealous of Malfoy, but at the same time, he wishes he had this elevator. This fic takes place in a rather closed setting; it’s really just the lift and the penthouse itself, but I think that suits the fic perfectly. It’s sort of about closed spaces, isn’t it? The lift, wherever Scorpius and Rose duck off to, even the bedroom that we can imagine but never actually see – it’s all about closeness.

The characterization of Ron in this is spot-on. The narrative captures his character perfectly. Ron darted a look to make sure Rose was still searching for zits or whatever… The little ‘or whatever’ is what makes this line so Ron. He would dismiss searching for zits as this sort of foreign female activity that he doesn’t really understand, not to mention he’s mostly preoccupied with this subtle conversation he’s having with Hermione. The whole idea of Ron and Hermione and the stairs is so great, because it doesn’t feel out of place for them at all. I don’t really know why, but I just think the stairs works for them. Possibly that sounds odd, but yeah. I just love how you gave them the stairs.

I really like the way you depict the brunch between the two families. We don’t really get any real picture of the actual meal, but somehow it’s nonetheless clear. We know what Ron and Draco talk about – Quidditch is the perfect choice, by the way, because what else would they really have in common? – and that Ron spends a lot of the time disapproving of his daughter’s, er, fondness for Scorpius. …gave Ron something to do besides watching his daughter pick at her food while eating Scorpius Malfoy up with her eyes. I love that Rose is picking at her food and eating Scorpius. It’s a funny line, and I can totally see Ron saying something like that out loud if he were complaining to Hermione or Harry about his daughter’s new relationship.

That was one of the advantages of playing chess. He always thought ahead, anticipating responses and planning his moves. Another great bit of characterization. I often forget that Ron is quite the chess player, but I love how you brought it up here. And the conversation between Ron and Hermione in the lift is just so…well, I was going to say ‘cute,’ but I’m not sure that’s quite the right word. I’ll just go with ‘great’ again. The conversation they have is really great. -wink-

Really good job with this, Paige! I don’t think I’ve read anything of yours before, which is a shame because clearly you’ve got a good deal of talent. Keep it up!

Author's Response:

What a wonderful review! Constructive praise is as helpful as concrit, it tells a writer what struck the reader in the story, validates that what he or she tried to get across came through, and, sometimes, reveals aspects not consciously "seen" while writing. The theme of closeness illustrated by closed spaces is such a perceptive observation. I tip my hat to you, madam (a Musketeer one with a fluffy white feather)!

Thank you, too, for agreeing the stairs works for them. Ron and Hermione had the most chemistry/sexual tension of any couple in the books imho, :), and I think they'd only get sexier over time, rather like some film stars, heh.

I really liked this short little one-shot :D It was funny how Ron liked the lift :P And how he and Hermione ended up in it... I havn't read Our Little Secret, but I think now I must! I was a bit confused when he starts talking to Malfoy, but you cleared that up in the next paragraph.

Author's Response: Thank you so much for reading this when you haven't read the other story! Our Little Secret was nominated for a QSQ for Best Story Post Hogwarts, (if that helps convince you to read it, heh).

Love it! I love how there was a reason for Ron to send the patronus other than to stop his daughter from snogging :P and how you manage to keep them in character! Hermione would scold Ron and yet blush lol. I don't think that Ron/Hermione moments such as these will ever be gross. They are such an adorable couple-when they aren't fighting-. Again, I love it! :D

Author's Response: Thank you! Ron has his priorities, heh. I'd like to think that with maturity the bickering became banter and put spice in the marriage. :D